Mashco-Piro make an appearanace

Last year, for unknown reasons, the Mascho-Piro killed the only person capable of interpreting between them and the rest of the world (Mashco-Piro linguistically isolated, this blog).

Voluntarily isolated, the Mascho-Piro made a rare appearance from June 24-26, asking for supplies such as rope and bananas. Their appearance may be due to increasing encroachment on the itinerant people’s territory by oil and drug interests, and the low rainfall of the season may also be a factor.

The group speaks Mascho-Piro (cuj), a language of the Piro group, which includes Yine (pib). They are among 15 groups in Peru that are prohibited by law from being contacted, primarily to protect them from disease.